Approaching the 29% limit efficiency of silicon solar cells

The so-called "limit efficiency" of a silicon solar operating at one-sun is well established at approximately 29%, and laboratory cells have reached 25%. The efficiencies of commercially available silicon solar cells have been increasing over time, however, only recently have the highest performance commercial cells reached 20% efficiency. This presentation discusses the prospects of how the limit efficiency may be approached more closely in practical cells. Surprisingly, presently available silicon has sufficient minority carrier lifetime to achieve the goal. In fact, all aspects are in place for approaching 29% except for the existence of a suitable passivated contact technology.